08 April 2012

Brioche Breakfast Strata

Growing up, we had a breakfast strata every Christmas morning for brunch after opening our gifts. My mom only made this dish once a year, from my grandmother's recipe, and it was always a special treat. Strata is simply a savory bread pudding or a casserole of eggs with cubes of bread and sometimes meat or vegetables. Served fresh from the oven, strata is fluffy like a soufflé.

This Easter, I decided that this dish is too good not to enjoy in the spring and made it with cubes of buttery brioche, sausage and herbs with a side of the first local spring asparagus of the season.

Beat the eggs, combining with milk and dry mustard. Layer bread, sausage and cheese in a casserole and add egg mixture. Refrigerate at least four hours (up to 12) to allow bread to soak in custard mixture. Bake for 50-60 minutes in 350 degree oven, uncovered. Allow to stand 15 minutes before serving.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Gisi of Good Everyday Things. Mark is a California native who currently lives in the East Falls section of Philadelphia. He's Co-Founder and a Partner at Eastern Standard, a Philadelphia-based agency.